Nail trends are constantly evolving, with fresh and unique styles emerging each season. This spring, “soap nails” are set to take over, bringing a soft, glossy, and ultra-clean aesthetic to manicures everywhere. Inspired by the smooth, translucent look of a freshly cut bar of soap, this trend features sheer pastels, milky finishes, and a healthy, hydrated shine.
The appeal lies in its effortless elegance—nail soap gives off a polished yet natural vibe, making it perfect for anyone looking for a chic, low-maintenance look that complements any outfit.
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What Are Soap Nails?
The hallmark of soap nails is their smooth, almost glass-like shine, which gives the nails a hydrated and healthy glow, as if they’ve just been moisturized with a rich, nourishing hand cream.
Unlike bold nail trends with intricate designs or sharp, matte finishes, soap nails focus on subtle elegance. The color payoff is intentionally sheer, allowing the natural nail to peek through while still providing a refined and sophisticated touch. Some variations include a barely-there ombré effect, pearlescent undertones, or a soft jelly-like texture that enhances the fresh, clean look.
This trend pairs perfectly with short to medium-length nails with rounded or almond shapes, reinforcing the natural, understated beauty that soap nails aim to achieve. Whether finished with a high-shine top coat or a semi-wet, dewy finish, soft nails offer a timeless, versatile manicure that complements any outfit and occasion.
Los Angeles-based nail artist Brittney Boyce told InStyle, “This trend really starts with a very detailed/clean manicure. It’s important to have all perfect foundation since the polish is sheer.” She also suggests to “look for a sheer pink or nude shade that complements your skin tone.”
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How To Get The Look
To achieve the soap nails look, start by prepping your nails with proper shaping and cuticle care, as a clean, well-groomed base is key to this minimalist style. Choose a sheer, milky, or pastel polish—such as soft pinks, creamy whites, or translucent nudes—to create the signature fresh, dewy effect.
Apply one to two thin coats of polish, allowing each layer to dry fully for a smooth and natural appearance. For added dimension, some opt for a pearlescent or jelly-finish polish to enhance the glossy, hydrated look. Finish with a high-shine, gel-like top coat to seal in the manicure and give it that signature glossy, “wet” effect, mimicking the sheen of a freshly washed bar of soap. Keeping nails short to medium in length with a rounded or almond shape will further enhance the soft, clean aesthetic of this trend.
